Police are crediting concerned students at Kealekehe High School with the arrest of two juveniles suspected of defacing the campus with graffiti drawn on the walkways and buildings.

On Wednesday (September 13, 2000), officers of the Kona Juvenile Aid Section arrested the two suspects and are questioning a third juvenile who may also be responsible for the vandalism.

School authorities reported the vandalism, which occurred sometime between Saturday, August 25, 2000, and the following Monday.

Officer Gerald Wike of the Kona JAS praised the students at Kealakehe who helped police identify the juveniles believed responsible for the graffiti.

“It was gratifying to see Kealakehe students with enough school spirit and pride come forward and identify the juveniles responsible for the damage,” Wike said.

“If more students at other schools showed the same courage and sense of responsibility, we would have far less vandalism at our schools, making campuses throughout the island much more enjoyable places to learn for all students.”

Damages to the Kealakehe campus caused by the graffiti were estimated at $3,000.